Cuyahoga Valley National Park lies along the Cuyahoga River between the Ohio cities of Cleveland and Akron. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a restored section of the canal's original towpath. In the park’s north, the Canal Exploration Center details the 19th-century waterway’s history. Towering Brandywine Falls is one of several waterfalls. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs through the park.
Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Located near the eastern border of an often overlooked Ohio national park, Brandywine Falls is just a short drive from Brecksville Station. From Brecksville follow Riverview Road south, turn east on Vaughn Road, then head south on Brandywine Road to get to the falls. There’s accessible parking near the accessible restrooms, with level access to a 150-foot paved trail, that transitions to an accessible boardwalk through the forest. An accessible overlook at the end of the boardwalk offers a magnificent view of the 65-foot high falls as it cascades down over a shale wall into Brandywine Creek.
A trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a diverse array of activities. Whether you prefer attending ranger-guided programs or exploring the park on your own, you can find something to your liking.
Cuyahoga Valley offers things to do that suit a wide variety of interests. There are accessible ways to enjoy almost every popular activity. We hope you Find Your Park here.
It helps to understand our basic geography. The national park is a skinny green space between two cities—with Cleveland, Ohio to the north and Akron to the south. Four routes run through the valley’s flat bottomland, connecting us to these cities. People can paddle the Cuyahoga River, hike or bike the Towpath Trail, ride Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and drive America’s Byway. A network of other roads and trails branch up the valley walls to the highlands on either side. If you have limited mobility, the trails through the steep ravines are the least accessible.
